An Evolution of Health and Wellness

As I’ve mentioned probably ten thousand times, this has been a transformative year health-wise.

I came into 2016 desperate for answers to chronic pain. When conventional medicine created an endless circle of tests and medicine, I left my comfort zone and tried a new approach. When you’re sick and nothing is helping, you’ll do anything. Turns out, what started as simply wanting to feel GOOD has led to an evolution of health. It has opened my eyes to practices that my logical, Type-A self once dismissed. From meditation to essential oils and energy healing, I’ve pretty much tried it all.

Which leads me to the question…is all this (weird) stuff necessary?

In today’s age of trends, superfoods and diets, it can be overwhelming and expensive to keep up with all things “wellness.” Ayurveda this, non-toxic that…and what the heck is that oil you’re rubbing on your head?!

I get it. Really, I do.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Being healthy doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive or 100% organic. We all know that eliminating processed foods and moving your body is as inexpensive as a good pair of sneakers. I will always stand by that. Yet I also see the other side: when you’re stuck and looking for answers (like I was), getting healthy is more work upfront. I think of the work (energy, time, money) as an investment in longterm health. In my opinion, that is best thing in which you can invest.

So, yes, these wellness practices might seem a little weird off the bat, but maybe there’s a reason holistic health is becoming more mainstream? Maybe there’s a reason publications like Well + Good and mindbodygreen have soared in popularity? More than that, if you’re at all curious, why not (gradually) open yourself up to new things?

I hesitate to call this post an introduction to a “series” because, truthfully, the holistic approach to health has slowly become the way I live. My plan is to start writing about different aspects of health: mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and more. Things I’ve tried, people I’ve met, oils I’ve inhaled (all legal, obvi). Not to say everything I’ve done has been LIFE-CHANGING, but I think there is value in experience. FYI: holistic doesn’t mean hippie. It just means you treat the whole person.

FUTURE TOPICS INCLUDE:

-Chakras and energy healing
-Essential oils
-Alternative “treatments” (float therapy, acupuncture, holistic chiropractic care)
-Natural skincare
-Mantras
-Interviews with people in the field
-REAL talk about all this stuff and more (nutrition, fitness and overall health)

Does all this stuff really help?!

Here’s the thing…I’m never going to label something as right or wrong because 1) labels are for files, 2) I’m not a certified expert and 3) if you’re reading this, you’re intelligent enough to form your own opinions and respect the opinions of others. Nothing is one-size-fits-all and we all have the right and responsibility to find what makes us feel good. I actually find it really cool that different things work for different people!I will, however, give you MY honest and healthyish take.

These posts will be spread out because I want to naturally integrate them into the structure of my blog, similarly to how I approached them in real life. But don’t run away if it’s not your thing! Preaching is for a choir. My random life, thoughts and puppy posts will still be alive and well, because I believe ‘healthy’ is more than eating vegetables and exercising.

I want to give my blog the full body approach to health and wellness that I’ve given myself. Balance included.

I can’t wait to hear! Our world has changed so much with every product we use and I just keep going with the mainstream, but I’m really eager to hear about products you’ve tried and things you’ve learned! I went on the boat, went to a farm with A and hung out with some friends this weekend. It was great!Heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…A Trip to Simmons Farm

Yep, I think that treating a person wholistically, remembering that the soul, mind, and body are all important, is something that is often neglected. I’m always a bit leery of some new age practices, but I 100% agree that we have to treat the person as a whole person, and I can’t wait to hear and read what you share.Emily recently posted…Where I Find Courage When I Am Full of Fear

Yay excited for these posts! I think holistic health is awesome because it involves figuring out what works for YOU.
And like you said “holistic doesn’t mean hippie. It just means you treat the whole person”. I wish more people would realize that.
I don’t know very much about essential oils, so I can’t wait to read about that.Megan recently posted…Five Things

I have gotten much more into holistic healthcare in recent months as I’ve been searching for answers to my IBS, heckuva lot of food intolerances, and hormonal imbalance. I would love to hear about alllllll of the topics you listed here! :)Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Reflections on Loss

Claire, I’m right there with you. It’s a long process, and admittedly one I’m still going through! There has been so much relief but still many ups and downs, which are unfortunately common and normal.

LOVES IT !!!! i’m also a type a person who is opening up to other avenues. after sh*tty experiences with western medicine (and to be fair…a few good ones) i am just starting to explore some other things with healthy skepticism. i dont want to waste money or time so i would love to have someone else be the ginnie pig :) just kidding (but a little not kidding). i would love it if you could integrate anything you have learned that deals with stress. i feel like i sorta suck at dealing with stress other than to breathe and just say it will pass. i feel like stress is my main “ager” if that makes sense. physically and mentally. i cannot wait for these posts !!!

Healthy skepticism…love that. Exactly how I felt (and sometimes still feel) too. Thank you for that suggestion! I sometimes suck at dealing with it too (i.e. ulcers) but I’m learning a few tools. Hope you had a great weekend!

I know what, I think being open minded in all areas of our life would do us good. I’m looking forward to reading more of these posts!
My weekend was pretty great. We had such sucky weather! But I didn’t let that stop me. I had some friends come over for muffins and a yarn which was awesome.Megan recently posted…10 everyday things that cause unnecessary stress

I’m super excited for all these posts because I think that holistic nutrition is the way to go in most situations. Of course, I believe that there is a time and a place for traditional medicine, but I believe there can be so much healing with traditional approaches :) I’m really intrigued to learn about essential oils!Rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted…Glazed Oatmeal Chai Pumpkin Scones {Vegan & Gluten-free}

Completely agree. I think there is a time and place for conventional medicine (and it can do pretty amazing things!) but not all health issues should/can be solved with prescription meds and endless tests.

I’ve definitely gone through a similar evolution! A few years ago I got really immersed into the holistic health world and tried many of the things you list above and I’m sure more. Eventually, the novelty wore off and I realized superfoods and fancy ingredients aren’t key to a holistic lifestyle… but certainly acknowledging all aspects of health is! I also think holistic health has just become so much more normalized, which is great. You’re right – Mind Body Green and Well + Good are incredibly popular! I look forward to reading your experiences with the various things you’ve tried.Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales recently posted…Portland Marathon Training Reflections: Week 15 + Run Fast Eat Slow Cookbook

You make such a great point, and I do want to elaborate. Things like superfoods are great, but they aren’t cure-alls. There’s likely no harm in incorporating them, but holistic health extends beyond the foods you eat.

I’m excited to see what you’ve learned about these and how they help you! I’ve gone from “this sh*t is crazy” to “I’ll try anything”. I’d rather take as few meds as possible (though I’ll do it if it helps) and manage whatever symptoms I have in as natural a way as I can… even if that way sounds totally out there. Hey, if it works, I’ll do it. And if doesn’t… it was a good story to tell!Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Apple Cinnamon Muffin Tops

I’m very excited for this series! I think preventative medicine and care is so overlooked in our medical system today. I am very interested in all things health and I think a holistic approach is best.